Carers week special

One in eight people in Britain is a carerSix out of ten carers receive no regular supportMore than 150,000 carers are under 18About 42 per cent of carers are maleThree in five people will become a carer at some point in their lives

Carers. We do not always recognise them. They are people who, voluntarily are looking after others, a partner, relative or friend, who cannot survive without help. Many juggle earning a living with caring. Many more have to give up work to care full-time. Most have little or no support or respite from their caring role.

Half of the six million carers in the UK care for someone over 75. Six million is the official figure - but the real figure is much higher. Hidden carers, those who do not recognise their work as carers, urgently need support. It's estimated that 174,995 children care for a parent, sibling or relative in the UK - some are as young as eight or nine.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers was founded in 1991 and exists to provide practical and emotional support to carers. Via its network of 115 Carers Centres across the UK, PRTC reaches out to carers of all ages and from all walks of life.

Every year Carers Week celebrates the amazing contribution carers make to their families, friends and community. To mark this year's Carers Week, iVillage and PRTC are working together to raise awareness of carers.

Find out more?
Is love enough?
Two women talk about their experiences of caring full-time for their husbands The secret society
Unveiling the truth about carers in the UK

**Join in the live discussions on the Carers and Cared for message board. Discover what you can do to help**